Malaysia as a vacation spot has a lot to offer. With 13 diverse states and 3 federal territories, it goes without saying that you will find a myriad of vacation options here.
Picking the best things to do and the best places to visit in Malaysia is a tough choice, and the ideal tour will vary from traveler to traveler. A single visit cannot truly cover the Malaysia experience, but it can give a lasting memory of the Malaysian culture, tradition and landscape. Many tourists come time and again to soak up more hidden wonders on offer.
Penang
Starting your holiday on “The Pearl of the Orient” is never a bad idea. Penang International airport situated 16 km south of Georgetown (the capital city of Penang) offers extensive connectivity with major cities in South East Asia. Those arriving or departing from the north are welcomed or sent off with a fabulous view of Georgetown, Butterworth and the Penang Bridge.
Penang is almost like a one-stop gallery displaying the best of Asia - ornate temples, heritage rich sights and abundant nature. The state is steeped in rich history and culture and is home to many ethnic groups.
The capital city Georgetown may seem like any other metro at first but a bit of exploring can give valuable insights to a world where nature, tradition and history blend with the colourful heritage.
Get a feel for the magnificence of Penang from Penang Hill, located in the town of Air Itam at a height 821 metres above sea level. Sit back and relax in one of its quaint colonial mansions turned rest houses. Also, try visiting one of the many local cafés and restaurants while you take in the beauty of the surroundings.
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Air Itam also has another must see attraction - Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, Kek Lok Si. Known as the temple of Supreme bliss this 120-year-old artefact overlooks the town of Air Itam. If you are lucky enough to visit during Chinese New Year you can be witness to the temple’s conversion to a fairyland, lit up with thousands of lanterns.
Langkawi
The state of Kedah that borders Penang along its southwest is another tourist hotspot. The rice bowl of Asia, Kedah is a blanket of sprawling paddy fields covering 3/4ths of its landmass. Kedah is thronged by tourists worldwide because of the gem off its coastline - the magnificent Langkawi.
Langkawi is an archipelago of almost 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The most locations are the beaches of Pantai Cenang, Pentai Tenga, Datai and Kuah, with their numerous resorts to choose from. Kuah is also the main town in Langkawi and is the duty free hub of the island.
Langkawi has many quaint villages, quiet coves, mythical lakes and long stretches of white sandy beach. The island abounds with coral reefs and sea caves that are a dream come true for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Rent a motorcycle from Pantai Cenang and ride around the island if you want to have a personal exploration experience.
Langkawi is a feast for the adventurous camper as much as the golfing enthusiast. The Langkawi Golf club located in Datai bay is a perfect hideaway nestled between the mountain Gunung Mat Chinchang and the sea. Even if you are not a golf enthusiast, the cable car ride up to the top of the mountain is an amazing experience. At the peak is the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a suspension bridge 700 meters above sea level with observation decks for 360-degree views of the island.
Kota Kinabalu & Sipadan
All beached out and tanned? Maybe a mountain trek would complete the adventure.
Mount Kinabalu, soaring 4000 meters above sea level is located in the city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. Climbing the Kinabalu Mountain gives an insight on the spiritual beliefs and traditions of the simple people of Sabah while offering a bird’s eye view of the splendor of Sabah.
Even if you’re not in the mood for a trek, Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World heritage site nestled at the foothills of Mt Kinabalu is worth the trip. The park is a botanical wonder world of flora and fauna.
Sipadan off the coast of Sabah is one of the world’s top dive spots, home to one of the richest marine habitats in the world with more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral varieties.
After a bout of backpacking and an adventure packed holiday it may not be a bad idea to throw back and live a little before getting back to the grind.
Kuala Lumpur
The nation’s capital Kuala Lumpur is not your average concrete jungle. KL (as it is known) has many places to soak up the Malaysia experience within the comforts of a metro. Take a city tour through breath taking sights like the magnificent, world acclaimed PETRONAS tower all at a hop skip from your hotel room in the city centre. You can savor a meal at a local hawker stall as much as one in a fancy restaurant. You can walk alongside pre-war buildings or get a bird’s eye view from a self-manned light aircraft - the choice is yours.
KL is the heart of Malaysia. It is superbly connected to the rest of the country, making day trips to nearby sights viable. A short drive away you can also enjoy some of Malaysia’s fabulous hill resorts and breathe some more of nature.
Cameron Highlands
The state of Pahang is a drive away from KL and lies along a beautiful coastline - housing some of the finest stretches of beach in Asia. Pahang is also home to Malaysia’s largest hill resort area, Cameron Highlands. The highlands are blanketed with tea plantations and other varieties of vegetation. The highlands offer many resort accommodations and bed and breakfasts in its 3 townships, located at different elevations. There are also trekking opportunities and jungle trails along with back packers accommodation and hostels for those who still have the adventure bug in them. Picking strawberries then relaxing with tea and scones in one of the cafes overlooking the expansive tea estates is a truly relaxing and memorable experience.
